physical therapy EMR
Chhoda said it’s critical for therapists to assess how much they have to spend before evaluating a system. He said that clinicians may have to hire additional help while staff members learn the new technology. It is important to be realistic.
Denville, NJ (PRWEB) December 30, 2013
“With patients to care for, we can’t shut down our practices while we implement a new physical therapy documentation system that encompasses such extensive change. Therapists can reduce or eliminate many of the ensuing headaches by taking appropriate steps,” said Chhoda.
He added that it’s vital that clinicians give themselves and their staff enough time to learn any new system that’s put in place and that’s especially true of an EMR for physical therapy services. The following are his new tips when implementing an EMR system.
- Creating a plan for the project. Physical therapy documentation software is complex. Depending on the software, it can include medical billing, patient scheduling and a host of other features. A project plan helps practitioners establish a realistic timetable for installation, learning and deadlines.
- Determining the budget. The expense of a physical therapy EMR can vary greatly, depending on the vendor and how comprehensive the software. Some EMRs offer basic documentation, while others are an all-inclusive solution. Chhoda said it’s critical for therapists to assess how much they have to spend before evaluating a system. He said that clinicians may have to hire additional help while staff members learn the new technology. It is important to be realistic.
- Having patience. A practical EMR solution doesn’t happen overnight. Keep goals realistic and have patience. The learning curve isn’t the same for everyone and introducing changes gradually allows everyone to achieve proficiency. Overwhelming staff with too much information all at once does nothing but create frustration, tension and an unhappy office environment that will be obvious to patients.
- Assigning a project manager. Assign a specific go-to person within the practice to oversee the project to eliminate inefficiency, redundancy and confusion. Too many cooks spoil the soup and the same is true when implementing an EMR that affects every facet of the practice. If no one is available or qualified for the task, consult with the vendor about providing a project manager.
- Checking and updating hardware. Physical therapy EMRs are available that operate on a variety of platforms, from desktop computers to iPads. Equipment that’s old, outdated and slow will cause nothing but frustration and inhibit implementation. Chhoda said in his experience, a portable tablet-based system such as the free In Touch EMR software offers greater flexibility.
An electronic medical record for physical therapy services opens a myriad of new opportunities. Reimbursements will be recovered quicker, documentation is more efficient and available from a variety of locations, and patient care is enhanced. Chhoda’s new tips provide practical guidelines to facilitate the implementation of an EMR system in practices of any size.
Chhoda’s office can be reached by phone at 201-535-4475. For more information, visit the website at http://www.emrnews.com.
About Nitin Chhoda
Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and an entrepreneur. He is the author of "Physical Therapy Marketing For The New Economy" and "Marketing for Physical Therapy Clinics" and is a prolific speaker, writer and creator of products and systems to streamline medical billing and coding, electronic medical records, health care practice management and marketing to increase referrals. He has been featured in numerous industry magazines, major radio and broadcast media, and is the founder of Referral Ignition training systems and the annual Private Practice Summit. Chhoda speaks extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Asia. He is also the creator of the Therapy Newsletter and Clinical Contact, both web-based services to help private practices improve communication with patients, delivery better quality of care and boost patient retention.